Slovenia orders new aircraft
The Slovenian government has revised its defense plan to include the acquisition of six additional helicopters and a C-27J Spartan
The six new helicopters – the exact model the government plans to acquire has not yet been disclosed – are intended to replace the country’s existing fleet of Bell 412 rotorcraft.
The new fleet is expected to cost approximately €195.2 million (US$217 million). They will be used to support the country’s special operations unit, participate in search and rescue (SAR) operations, and transport cargo.
The C-27J is capable of transporting up to 60 troops at maximum speeds of 602km/h. The new aircraft joins another purchased in late 2021 from manufacturer Leonardo. The new plane will be used as a backup for the first in the event that it requires maintenance.
Slovenia received the second of an order of four Air Tractor AT-802s on 18 May. The Air Tractor fleet will form the backbone of the country’s aerial firefighting response.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.